Donald Trump Tells ABC Reporter 'Not You' During Heated Exchange Over $5,000 Payments

Donald Trump told ABC News reporter Rachel Scott 'not you' during a heated exchange with journalists on the tarmac in Dallas, after she pressed him over the $5,000 payment he has proposed for American adults. The US president was speaking to reporters as he prepared to leave Dallas aboard Air Force One following the two-day Republican Midterm Convention.

Trump has pledged that American adults could receive a $5,000 payment if Republicans retain control of both chambers of Congress in the November midterm elections. He has described the proposal as a 'dividend' linked to the country's economic strength and tariff revenues, although the plan would require congressional approval.

ABC News' Scott put the proposal to Trump directly during the exchange, opening with a reference to the national debt before challenging him on the payments.

'Mr President, on the checks, the US is still $40 trillion in debt,' Scott said. 'If your economic policies are working, why do you need an incentive for people to turn out to vote?'

Trump did not answer the question directly. Instead, he turned to former President Joe Biden and said the proposed payment was a reward for what he described as years of hardship under the previous administration. Reports of the exchange said Trump characterised the payment as a reward rather than an incentive to vote.

Donald Trump Turns On ABC Reporter Mid Question

When Scott tried to return to her original question about the proposed $5,000 payments, Trump talked over her. 'Not you,' he said, moving towards her and pointing his finger before turning to another reporter.

He then turned back towards Scott and told her, 'Your network and you, you're the worst.' The exchange was captured on video and quickly circulated online, with reports describing Trump's response as an aggressive reaction to Scott's questions.

The exchange drew a strong reaction online, with social media users commenting on Trump's tone and his interaction with Scott. Some posts described the moment in highly critical terms, although such reactions reflect individual opinions rather than independently established facts.

Trump's proposed payment has itself attracted criticism and questions over how it would be funded. The plan could cost more than $1 trillion and would require congressional approval, with some Republicans expressing concern about its potential effect on inflation and the national deficit.

A Pattern of Clashes Shapes Donald Trump's Press Relations

Trump has previously clashed with journalists who have challenged him on contentious issues. He walked out partway through an interview with NBC's Kristen Welker that aired on Meet the Press on 7 June 2026, after she challenged him over unsupported claims about elections and other issues.

During that interview, Trump became increasingly frustrated as Welker questioned his claims about election fraud. He eventually ended the exchange, telling her, 'Let's call it quits because I've had enough,' before leaving the interview.

The Dallas exchange with Scott was different in setting but similarly centred on a reporter pressing Trump over a contentious political issue. This time, Scott challenged him over the proposed $5,000 payment and the country's national debt, while Trump redirected the conversation towards Biden and criticism of ABC.

The exchange came as Trump sought to promote the Republican Party's prospects ahead of the November midterm elections. His proposed $5,000 'Trump Dividend' has become one of the most notable economic promises of the campaign, although its funding and implementation remain unresolved.